School Psychologist

School psychologistsare dedicated to helping children succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

The mean annual salary for psychologists employed in elementary and secondary schools was $82,770 as of May 2021.

Developmental Psychologist

Developmental psychologistsstudy the human growth and development process.

Child psychologist with young clients

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Most developmental psychologists hold a PhD or PsyD in developmental psychology.

Counselors also offer educational, personal, career, and social counseling services to students.

Family Therapists

Family therapists work with children and families to diagnose and treat mental illness.

School psychologists work with chilren

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They may do this by offeringfamily therapyservices to an individual and counseling sessions focused on the family unit.

Educational, licensing, and certification requirements can vary by state.

Many family therapists are licensed counselors who hold amaster’s degree in counseling.

Child with developmental psychologist

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Others might hold a doctorate degree in psychology or a master’s degree insocial work.

Additionally, you should receive training specifically in animal-assisted therapy.

Some colleges and universities now offer an animal-assisted therapy certificate.

Preteen student meeting with school counselor or therapist

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Earnings vary widely depending on the training, qualifications, and employment area.

For example, physical therapists earn an average of $97,720while psychologists earn an average of $85,330.

While specific requirements vary by state, most require you to become licensed to provide psychotherapy services.

Mother and daughter talking with counselor during family counseling session

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Yearly earnings vary considerably based on your educational background, years of experience, and geographic location.

National salary data from Payscale.com suggests that the median salary for an art therapist in 2024 is $49,760.

Social Worker

Social workersperform a wide range of duties, but many specialize in working with children.

Autistic child receives therapy with dolphin trainer and bottlenose dolphin

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Such jobs can be challenging at times, but they can also be very rewarding.

Payscale.Average child psychologist salary.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.19-3034 School psychologists: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2021.

Young woman with learning difficulties in art clas

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Salary.com.Developmental Psychologist Salary in the United States.

Bureau of Labor Statistics.

U.S. Department of Labor.Occupational Outlook Handbook: Psychologists.

Helping a Child Out of Her Wheelchair

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Bureau of Labor Statistics.

U.S. Department of Labor.Occupational Outlook Handbook: Marriage and Family Therapists.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

National Institutes of Health.

NIH News in Health.The Power of Pets: Health Benefits of Human-Animal Interactions.

Bureau of Labor Statistics.

U.S. Department of Labor.Occupational Outlook Handbook: Physical Therapists.

Van Lith T.Art therapy in mental health: A systematic review of approaches and practices.The Arts in Psychotherapy.

2016;47:9-22. doi:10.1016/j.aip.2015.09.003

Payscale.Average Art Therapist Salary.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Social workers: Pay.Occupational Outlook Handbook.

National Association of Social Workers.Social Work Salaries.